AAFP: Harassment and Intimidation Have No Place in Fight Against Health Disparities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
“The American Academy of Family Physicians condemns any effort to intimidate, harass or discredit physicians, public health experts and other health professionals. Further, the AAFP condemns violence and other illegal acts against health professionals and encourages all health care facilities to have plans in place to help ensure a safe workplace. Recent events have reminded us that our health care professionals risk harassment and violence when they speak out and advocate for equitable care.
“We must support all physicians in their efforts to speak out against inequities and to provide equitable care for all. We join with our members in taking action to dismantle institutional racism in our health care system to address health disparities in our health care system and social determinants of health in our community.”
# # #
About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.